Mike Tyson Enters Hall of Fame

By - Kris Fletcher

Mike Tyson, the man once known as the "baddest man on the planet," didn't really look the part as he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame yesterday afternoon.

Photo from: bostonherald.com

Tyson showed a much softer side as he searched for words to express his gratitude while receiving the honor. He spent a lot of time discussing his former trainer Cus D'Amato, who he credits for guiding him early in his career, and who became his legal guardian following the death of his mother.

D'Amato died in 1985, shortly before Tyson knocked out Trevor Berbick to become the youngest Heavyweight Champion in history.

While reminiscing about what he had accomplished throughout his career, Tyson nearly broke down, and ended his acceptance speech with, "Hey guys, I can't even finish this stuff. Thank you. Thank you."

He retired in 2004 with a career record of 50-6, with 44 of those wins coming by knockout.

Photo from: theboxingtribune.com

I know his induction probably doesn't sit well with some folks due to his 1992 rape conviction and questionable overall character during the course of his career, but based solely on his in-ring prowess, there's no doubt Tyson deserves to be a Hall-of-Famer.

He completely dominated the sport for 5 years, and in that time span had the majority of the guys he faced beaten before the fight ever even started. Tyson is the only fighter I've ever seen that guys were literally afraid to face. Full-grown men in a profession of their choosing scared to fight him. Mentally, they were beat before the opening bell even rang. That speaks volumes as to what kind of fighter Mike Tyson was.

Brutal.